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# DateFormat

`public abstract class DateFormat`
`` `` `extends UFormat` ``

java.lang.Object
↳ | java.text.Format
| ↳ | android.icu.text.UFormat
|  | ↳ | android.icu.text.DateFormat

Known direct subclasses SimpleDateFormat
SimpleDateFormat | [icu enhancement] ICU's replacement for `SimpleDateFormat`. Methods, fields, and other functionality specific to ICU are labeled '[icu]'.

[icu enhancement] ICU's replacement for `DateFormat`. Methods, fields, and other functionality specific to ICU are labeled '[icu]'.

DateFormat is an abstract class for date/time formatting subclasses which formats and parses dates or time in a language-independent manner. The date/time formatting subclass, such as SimpleDateFormat, allows for formatting (i.e., date -> text), parsing (text -> date), and normalization. The date is represented as a `Date` object or as the milliseconds since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 GMT.

DateFormat helps you to format and parse dates for any locale. Your code can be completely independent of the locale conventions for months, days of the week, or even the calendar format: lunar vs. solar. It provides many class methods for obtaining default date/time formatters based on the default for a given locale and a number of formatting styles or arbitrary "skeletons".

1. The formatting styles include FULL, LONG, MEDIUM, and SHORT. More detail and examples of using these styles are provided in the method descriptions.
2. The formatting styles only cover a fraction of the necessary usage. You often need to have just certain combinations of fields, like Month and Year, but have it to be formatted appropriate to a given locale. This is done using the (misnamed) getPatternInstance() method, supplying a skeleton. There are a number of constants that have common pre-defined skeletons, such as `MINUTE_SECOND` for something like "13:45" or `YEAR_ABBR_MONTH` for something like "Sept 2012".

To format a date for the current Locale, use one of the static factory methods:

     myString = DateFormat.getDateInstance().format(myDate);
     myString = DateFormat.getPatternInstance(DateFormat.YEAR_ABBR_MONTH).format(myDate);

If you are formatting multiple numbers, it is more efficient to get the format and use it multiple times so that the system doesn't have to fetch the information about the local language and country conventions multiple times.

     DateFormat df = DateFormat.getDateInstance();
     for (int i = 0; i < a.length; ++i) {
         output.println(df.format(myDate[i]) + "; ");
     }

To format a date for a different Locale, specify it in the call to getDateInstance().

     DateFormat df = DateFormat.getDateInstance(DateFormat.LONG, Locale.FRANCE);

You can use a DateFormat to parse also.

     myDate = df.parse(myString);

There are many static factory methods available. Use getDateInstance to get the normal date format for that country. Use getTimeInstance to get the time format for that country. Use getDateTimeInstance to get a date and time format. You can pass in different options to these factory methods to control the length of the result; from SHORT to MEDIUM to LONG to FULL. The exact result depends on the locale, but generally:

- SHORT is completely numeric, such as 12.13.52 or 3:30pm
- MEDIUM is longer, such as Jan 12, 1952
- LONG is longer, such as January 12, 1952 or 3:30:32pm
- FULL is pretty completely specified, such as Tuesday, April 12, 1952 AD or 3:30:42pm PST.

Use getPatternInstance to format with a skeleton. Typically this is with a predefined skeleton, like `YEAR_ABBR_MONTH` for something like "Sept 2012". If you don't want to use one of the predefined skeletons, you can supply your own. The skeletons are like the patterns in SimpleDateFormat, except they:

1. only keep the field pattern letter and ignore all other parts in a pattern, such as space, punctuation, and string literals.
2. are independent of the order of fields.
3. ignore certain differences in the field's pattern letter length:
   1. For those non-digit calendar fields, the pattern letter length is important, such as MMM, MMMM, and MMMMM; E and EEEE, and the field's pattern letter length is honored.
   2. For the digit calendar fields, such as M or MM, d or dd, yy or yyyy, the field pattern length is ignored and the best match, which is defined in date time patterns, will be returned without honor the field pattern letter length in skeleton.

You can also set the time zone on the format if you wish. If you want even more control over the format or parsing, (or want to give your users more control), you can try casting the DateFormat you get from the factory methods to a SimpleDateFormat. This will work for the majority of countries; just remember to put it in a try block in case you encounter an unusual one.

You can also use forms of the parse and format methods with ParsePosition and FieldPosition to allow you to

- progressively parse through pieces of a string.
- align any particular field, or find out where it is for selection on the screen.

### Synchronization

Date formats are not synchronized. It is recommended to create separate format instances for each thread. If multiple threads access a format concurrently, it must be synchronized externally.

See also:

- `UFormat`
- `NumberFormat`
- `SimpleDateFormat`
- `Calendar`
- `GregorianCalendar`
- `TimeZone`

## Summary

### Nested classes
`enum` | `DateFormat.BooleanAttribute` boolean attributes
`class` | `DateFormat.Field` The instances of this inner class are used as attribute keys and values in AttributedCharacterIterator that DateFormat.formatToCharacterIterator() method returns.

### Constants
`String` | `ABBR_GENERIC_TZ` [icu] Constant for generic non-location format, abbreviated if possible, such as PT; used in combinations date + time + zone, or time + zone.
`String` | `ABBR_MONTH` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with abbreviated month.
`String` | `ABBR_MONTH_DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with abbreviated month and day.
`String` | `ABBR_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with abbreviated month, weekday, and day.
`String` | `ABBR_QUARTER` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with abbreviated quarter.
`String` | `ABBR_SPECIFIC_TZ` [icu] Constant for specific non-location format, abbreviated if possible, such as PDT; used in combinations date + time + zone, or time + zone.
`String` | `ABBR_UTC_TZ` [icu] Constant for localized GMT/UTC format, such as GMT+8:00 or HPG-8:00; used in combinations date + time + zone, or time + zone.
`String` | `ABBR_WEEKDAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with abbreviated weekday.
`int` | `AM_PM_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'a' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#AM_PM` field.
`int` | `AM_PM_MIDNIGHT_NOON_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'b' field alignment.
`int` | `DATE_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'd' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#DATE` field.
`String` | `DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with day.
`int` | `DAY_OF_WEEK_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'E' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#DAY_OF_WEEK` field.
`int` | `DAY_OF_WEEK_IN_MONTH_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'F' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#DAY_OF_WEEK_IN_MONTH` field.
`int` | `DAY_OF_YEAR_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'D' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#DAY_OF_YEAR` field.
`int` | `DEFAULT` Constant for default style pattern.
`int` | `DOW_LOCAL_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'e' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#DOW_LOCAL` field.
`int` | `ERA_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'G' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ERA` field.
`int` | `EXTENDED_YEAR_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'u' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#EXTENDED_YEAR` field.
`int` | `FLEXIBLE_DAY_PERIOD_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'B' field alignment.
`int` | `FRACTIONAL_SECOND_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'S' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MILLISECOND` field.
`int` | `FULL` Constant for full style pattern.
`String` | `GENERIC_TZ` [icu] Constant for generic non-location format, such as Pacific Time; used in combinations date + time + zone, or time + zone.
`String` | `HOUR` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with hour, with the locale's preferred hour format (12 or 24).
`int` | `HOUR0_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'K' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#HOUR` field.
`int` | `HOUR1_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'h' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#HOUR` field.
`String` | `HOUR24` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with hour in 24-hour presentation.
`String` | `HOUR24_MINUTE` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with hour and minute in 24-hour presentation.
`String` | `HOUR24_MINUTE_SECOND` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with hour, minute, and second in 24-hour presentation.
`String` | `HOUR_MINUTE` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with hour and minute, with the locale's preferred hour format (12 or 24).
`String` | `HOUR_MINUTE_SECOND` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with hour, minute, and second, with the locale's preferred hour format (12 or 24).
`int` | `HOUR_OF_DAY0_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'H' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#HOUR_OF_DAY` field.
`int` | `HOUR_OF_DAY1_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'k' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#HOUR_OF_DAY` field.
`int` | `JULIAN_DAY_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'g' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#JULIAN_DAY` field.
`String` | `LOCATION_TZ` [icu] Constant for generic location format, such as Los Angeles Time; used in combinations date + time + zone, or time + zone.
`int` | `LONG` Constant for long style pattern.
`int` | `MEDIUM` Constant for medium style pattern.
`int` | `MILLISECONDS_IN_DAY_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'A' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MILLISECONDS_IN_DAY` field.
`int` | `MILLISECOND_FIELD` Alias for FRACTIONAL_SECOND_FIELD.
`String` | `MINUTE` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with minute.
`int` | `MINUTE_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'm' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MINUTE` field.
`String` | `MINUTE_SECOND` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with minute and second.
`String` | `MONTH` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with month.
`String` | `MONTH_DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with long month and day.
`int` | `MONTH_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'M' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MONTH` field.
`String` | `MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with month, weekday, and day.
`int` | `NONE` [icu] Constant for empty style pattern.
`String` | `NUM_MONTH` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with numeric month.
`String` | `NUM_MONTH_DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with numeric month and day.
`String` | `NUM_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with numeric month, weekday, and day.
`String` | `QUARTER` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with quarter.
`int` | `QUARTER_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'Q' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MONTH` field.
`int` | `RELATIVE` [icu] Constant for relative style mask.
`int` | `RELATIVE_DEFAULT` [icu] Constant for relative default style pattern.
`int` | `RELATIVE_FULL` [icu] Constant for relative full style pattern.
`int` | `RELATIVE_LONG` [icu] Constant for relative style pattern.
`int` | `RELATIVE_MEDIUM` [icu] Constant for relative style pattern.
`int` | `RELATIVE_SHORT` [icu] Constant for relative style pattern.
`String` | `SECOND` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with second.
`int` | `SECOND_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 's' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#SECOND` field.
`int` | `SHORT` Constant for short style pattern.
`String` | `SPECIFIC_TZ` [icu] Constant for specific non-location format, such as Pacific Daylight Time; used in combinations date + time + zone, or time + zone.
`int` | `STANDALONE_DAY_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'c' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#DAY_OF_WEEK` field.
`int` | `STANDALONE_MONTH_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'L' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MONTH` field.
`int` | `STANDALONE_QUARTER_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'q' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MONTH` field.
`int` | `TIMEZONE_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'z' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields.
`int` | `TIMEZONE_GENERIC_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'v' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields.
`int` | `TIMEZONE_ISO_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'X' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields.
`int` | `TIMEZONE_ISO_LOCAL_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'x' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields.
`int` | `TIMEZONE_LOCALIZED_GMT_OFFSET_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'O' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields.
`int` | `TIMEZONE_RFC_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'Z' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields.
`int` | `TIMEZONE_SPECIAL_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'V' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields.
`String` | `WEEKDAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with weekday.
`int` | `WEEK_OF_MONTH_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'W' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#WEEK_OF_MONTH` field.
`int` | `WEEK_OF_YEAR_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'w' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#WEEK_OF_YEAR` field.
`String` | `YEAR` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with year.
`String` | `YEAR_ABBR_MONTH` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with year and abbreviated month.
`String` | `YEAR_ABBR_MONTH_DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with year, abbreviated month, and day.
`String` | `YEAR_ABBR_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with year, abbreviated month, weekday, and day.
`String` | `YEAR_ABBR_QUARTER` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with year and abbreviated quarter.
`int` | `YEAR_FIELD` FieldPosition selector for 'y' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#YEAR` field.
`String` | `YEAR_MONTH` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with year and month.
`String` | `YEAR_MONTH_DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with year, month, and day.
`String` | `YEAR_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with year, month, weekday, and day.
`int` | `YEAR_NAME_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'U' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#YEAR` field.
`String` | `YEAR_NUM_MONTH` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with year and numeric month.
`String` | `YEAR_NUM_MONTH_DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with year, numeric month, and day.
`String` | `YEAR_NUM_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with year, numeric month, weekday, and day.
`String` | `YEAR_QUARTER` [icu] Constant for date skeleton with year and quarter.
`int` | `YEAR_WOY_FIELD` [icu] FieldPosition selector for 'Y' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#YEAR_WOY` field.

### Fields
`protected Calendar` | `calendar` The calendar that `DateFormat` uses to produce the time field values needed to implement date and time formatting.
`protected NumberFormat` | `numberFormat` The number formatter that `DateFormat` uses to format numbers in dates and times.

### Protected constructors
`DateFormat()` Creates a new date format.

### Public methods
`Object` | `clone()` Overrides clone.
`boolean` | `equals(Object obj)` Overrides equals.
`final StringBuffer` | `format(Object obj, StringBuffer toAppendTo, FieldPosition fieldPosition)` Formats a time object into a time string.
`StringBuffer` | `format(Date date, StringBuffer toAppendTo, FieldPosition fieldPosition)` Formats a Date into a date/time string.
`final String` | `format(Date date)` Formats a Date into a date/time string.
`abstract StringBuffer` | `format(Calendar cal, StringBuffer toAppendTo, FieldPosition fieldPosition)` Formats a date into a date/time string.
`static Locale[]` | `getAvailableLocales()` Returns the set of locales for which DateFormats are installed.
`boolean` | `getBooleanAttribute(DateFormat.BooleanAttribute key)` Returns the current value for the specified BooleanAttribute for this instance if attribute is missing false is returned.
`Calendar` | `getCalendar()` Returns the calendar associated with this date/time formatter.
`DisplayContext` | `getContext(DisplayContext.Type type)` [icu] Get the formatter's DisplayContext value for the specified DisplayContext.Type, such as CAPITALIZATION.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateInstance(int style, Locale aLocale)` Returns the date formatter with the given formatting style for the given locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateInstance(Calendar cal, int dateStyle)` Creates a `DateFormat` object for the default locale that can be used to format dates in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateInstance(Calendar cal, int dateStyle, ULocale locale)` Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateInstance()` Returns the date formatter with the default formatting style for the default `FORMAT` locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateInstance(int style, ULocale locale)` Returns the date formatter with the given formatting style for the given locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateInstance(Calendar cal, int dateStyle, Locale locale)` Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateInstance(int style)` Returns the date formatter with the given formatting style for the default `FORMAT` locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateTimeInstance(int dateStyle, int timeStyle)` Returns the date/time formatter with the given date and time formatting styles for the default `FORMAT` locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateTimeInstance()` Returns the date/time formatter with the default formatting style for the default `FORMAT` locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateTimeInstance(Calendar cal, int dateStyle, int timeStyle, ULocale locale)` Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateTimeInstance(Calendar cal, int dateStyle, int timeStyle, Locale locale)` Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateTimeInstance(int dateStyle, int timeStyle, ULocale locale)` Returns the date/time formatter with the given formatting styles for the given locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateTimeInstance(int dateStyle, int timeStyle, Locale aLocale)` Returns the date/time formatter with the given formatting styles for the given locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getDateTimeInstance(Calendar cal, int dateStyle, int timeStyle)` Creates a `DateFormat` object for the default locale that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getInstance(Calendar cal)` Returns a default date/time formatter that uses the SHORT style for both the date and the time.
`static final DateFormat` | `getInstance(Calendar cal, Locale locale)` Returns a date/time formatter that uses the SHORT style for both the date and the time.
`static final DateFormat` | `getInstance()` Returns a default date/time formatter that uses the SHORT style for both the date and the time.
`static final DateFormat` | `getInstanceForSkeleton(Calendar cal, String skeleton, Locale locale)` [icu] Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getInstanceForSkeleton(Calendar cal, String skeleton, ULocale locale)` [icu] Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getInstanceForSkeleton(String skeleton, ULocale locale)` [icu] Returns a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the given locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getInstanceForSkeleton(String skeleton, Locale locale)` [icu] Returns a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the given locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getInstanceForSkeleton(String skeleton)` [icu] Returns a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the default locale.
`NumberFormat` | `getNumberFormat()` Returns the number formatter which this date/time formatter uses to format and parse a time.
`static final DateFormat` | `getPatternInstance(String skeleton, Locale locale)` [icu] Returns a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the given locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getPatternInstance(String skeleton, ULocale locale)` [icu] Returns a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the given locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getPatternInstance(String skeleton)` [icu] Returns a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the default locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getPatternInstance(Calendar cal, String skeleton, Locale locale)` [icu] Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getPatternInstance(Calendar cal, String skeleton, ULocale locale)` [icu] Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getTimeInstance(Calendar cal, int timeStyle)` Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getTimeInstance()` Gets the time formatter with the default formatting style for the default `FORMAT` locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getTimeInstance(int style, ULocale locale)` Returns the time formatter with the given formatting style for the given locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getTimeInstance(Calendar cal, int timeStyle, ULocale locale)` Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getTimeInstance(Calendar cal, int timeStyle, Locale locale)` Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.
`static final DateFormat` | `getTimeInstance(int style)` Returns the time formatter with the given formatting style for the default `FORMAT` locale.
`static final DateFormat` | `getTimeInstance(int style, Locale aLocale)` Returns the time formatter with the given formatting style for the given locale.
`TimeZone` | `getTimeZone()` Returns the time zone.
`int` | `hashCode()` Overrides hashCode.
`boolean` | `isCalendarLenient()` Returns whether date/time parsing in the encapsulated Calendar object is lenient.
`boolean` | `isLenient()` Returns whether both date/time parsing in the encapsulated Calendar object and DateFormat whitespace & numeric processing is lenient.
`Date` | `parse(String text)` Parses a date/time string.
`Date` | `parse(String text, ParsePosition pos)` Parses a date/time string according to the given parse position.
`abstract void` | `parse(String text, Calendar cal, ParsePosition pos)` Parses a date/time string according to the given parse position.
`Object` | `parseObject(String source, ParsePosition pos)` Parses a date/time string into an Object.
`DateFormat` | `setBooleanAttribute(DateFormat.BooleanAttribute key, boolean value)` Sets a boolean attribute for this instance.
`void` | `setCalendar(Calendar newCalendar)` Sets the calendar to be used by this date format.
`void` | `setCalendarLenient(boolean lenient)` Specifies whether date/time parsing in the encapsulated Calendar object should be lenient.
`void` | `setContext(DisplayContext context)` [icu] Set a particular DisplayContext value in the formatter, such as CAPITALIZATION_FOR_STANDALONE.
`void` | `setLenient(boolean lenient)` Specifies whether date/time parsing is to be lenient.
`void` | `setNumberFormat(NumberFormat newNumberFormat)` Sets the number formatter.
`void` | `setTimeZone(TimeZone zone)` Sets the time zone for the calendar of this DateFormat object.

### Inherited methods
From class `java.text.Format`
`Object` | `clone()` Creates and returns a copy of this object.
`final String` | `format(Object obj)` Formats an object to produce a string.
`abstract StringBuffer` | `format(Object obj, StringBuffer toAppendTo, FieldPosition pos)` Formats an object and appends the resulting text to a given string buffer.
`AttributedCharacterIterator` | `formatToCharacterIterator(Object obj)` Formats an Object producing an `AttributedCharacterIterator`.
`Object` | `parseObject(String source)` Parses text from the beginning of the given string to produce an object.
`abstract Object` | `parseObject(String source, ParsePosition pos)` Parses text from a string to produce an object.
From class `java.lang.Object`
`Object` | `clone()` Creates and returns a copy of this object.
`boolean` | `equals(Object obj)` Indicates whether some other object is "equal to" this one.
`void` | `finalize()` Called by the garbage collector on an object when garbage collection determines that there are no more references to the object.
`final Class<?>` | `getClass()` Returns the runtime class of this `Object`.
`int` | `hashCode()` Returns a hash code value for the object.
`final void` | `notify()` Wakes up a single thread that is waiting on this object's monitor.
`final void` | `notifyAll()` Wakes up all threads that are waiting on this object's monitor.
`String` | `toString()` Returns a string representation of the object.
`final void` | `wait(long timeout, int nanos)` Causes the current thread to wait until another thread invokes the `notify()` method or the `notifyAll()` method for this object, or some other thread interrupts the current thread, or a certain amount of real time has elapsed.
`final void` | `wait(long timeout)` Causes the current thread to wait until either another thread invokes the `notify()` method or the `notifyAll()` method for this object, or a specified amount of time has elapsed.
`final void` | `wait()` Causes the current thread to wait until another thread invokes the `notify()` method or the `notifyAll()` method for this object.

## Constants

### ABBR_GENERIC_TZ

    public static final String ABBR_GENERIC_TZ

[icu] Constant for generic non-location format, abbreviated if possible, such as PT; used in combinations date + time + zone, or time + zone.

See also:

- LDML Date Format Patterns
- LDML Time Zone Fallback

Constant Value: "v"

### ABBR_MONTH

    public static final String ABBR_MONTH

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with abbreviated month.

Constant Value: "MMM"

### ABBR_MONTH_DAY

    public static final String ABBR_MONTH_DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with abbreviated month and day. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "MMMd"

### ABBR_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY

    public static final String ABBR_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with abbreviated month, weekday, and day. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "MMMEd"

### ABBR_QUARTER

    public static final String ABBR_QUARTER

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with abbreviated quarter.

Constant Value: "QQQ"

### ABBR_SPECIFIC_TZ

    public static final String ABBR_SPECIFIC_TZ

[icu] Constant for specific non-location format, abbreviated if possible, such as PDT; used in combinations date + time + zone, or time + zone.

See also:

- LDML Date Format Patterns
- LDML Time Zone Fallback

Constant Value: "z"

### ABBR_UTC_TZ

    public static final String ABBR_UTC_TZ

[icu] Constant for localized GMT/UTC format, such as GMT+8:00 or HPG-8:00; used in combinations date + time + zone, or time + zone.

See also:

- LDML Date Format Patterns
- LDML Time Zone Fallback

Constant Value: "ZZZZ"

### ABBR_WEEKDAY

    public static final String ABBR_WEEKDAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with abbreviated weekday.

Constant Value: "E"

### AM_PM_FIELD

    public static final int AM_PM_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'a' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#AM_PM` field.

Constant Value: 14 (0x0000000e)

### AM_PM_MIDNIGHT_NOON_FIELD

    public static final int AM_PM_MIDNIGHT_NOON_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'b' field alignment. No related Calendar field. This displays the fixed day period (am/pm/midnight/noon).

Constant Value: 35 (0x00000023)

### DATE_FIELD

    public static final int DATE_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'd' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#DATE` field.

Constant Value: 3 (0x00000003)

### DAY

    public static final String DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with day.

Constant Value: "d"

### DAY_OF_WEEK_FIELD

    public static final int DAY_OF_WEEK_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'E' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#DAY_OF_WEEK` field.

Constant Value: 9 (0x00000009)

### DAY_OF_WEEK_IN_MONTH_FIELD

    public static final int DAY_OF_WEEK_IN_MONTH_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'F' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#DAY_OF_WEEK_IN_MONTH` field.

Constant Value: 11 (0x0000000b)

### DAY_OF_YEAR_FIELD

    public static final int DAY_OF_YEAR_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'D' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#DAY_OF_YEAR` field.

Constant Value: 10 (0x0000000a)

### DEFAULT

    public static final int DEFAULT

Constant for default style pattern. Its value is MEDIUM.

Constant Value: 2 (0x00000002)

### DOW_LOCAL_FIELD

    public static final int DOW_LOCAL_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'e' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#DOW_LOCAL` field.

Constant Value: 19 (0x00000013)

### ERA_FIELD

    public static final int ERA_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'G' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ERA` field.

Constant Value: 0 (0x00000000)

### EXTENDED_YEAR_FIELD

    public static final int EXTENDED_YEAR_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'u' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#EXTENDED_YEAR` field.

Constant Value: 20 (0x00000014)

### FLEXIBLE_DAY_PERIOD_FIELD

    public static final int FLEXIBLE_DAY_PERIOD_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'B' field alignment. No related Calendar field. This displays the flexible day period.

Constant Value: 36 (0x00000024)

### FRACTIONAL_SECOND_FIELD

    public static final int FRACTIONAL_SECOND_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'S' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MILLISECOND` field. Note: Time formats that use 'S' can display a maximum of three significant digits for fractional seconds, corresponding to millisecond resolution and a fractional seconds sub-pattern of SSS. If the sub-pattern is S or SS, the fractional seconds value will be truncated (not rounded) to the number of display places specified. If the fractional seconds sub-pattern is longer than SSS, the additional display places will be filled with zeros.

Constant Value: 8 (0x00000008)

### FULL

    public static final int FULL

Constant for full style pattern.

Constant Value: 0 (0x00000000)

### GENERIC_TZ

    public static final String GENERIC_TZ

[icu] Constant for generic non-location format, such as Pacific Time; used in combinations date + time + zone, or time + zone.

See also:

- LDML Date Format Patterns
- LDML Time Zone Fallback

Constant Value: "vvvv"

### HOUR

    public static final String HOUR

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with hour, with the locale's preferred hour format (12 or 24).

Constant Value: "j"

### HOUR0_FIELD

    public static final int HOUR0_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'K' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#HOUR` field. HOUR0_FIELD is used for the zero-based 12-hour clock. For example, 11:30 PM + 1 hour results in 00:30 AM.

Constant Value: 16 (0x00000010)

### HOUR1_FIELD

    public static final int HOUR1_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'h' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#HOUR` field. HOUR1_FIELD is used for the one-based 12-hour clock. For example, 11:30 PM + 1 hour results in 12:30 AM.

Constant Value: 15 (0x0000000f)

### HOUR24

    public static final String HOUR24

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with hour in 24-hour presentation.

Constant Value: "H"

### HOUR24_MINUTE

    public static final String HOUR24_MINUTE

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with hour and minute in 24-hour presentation. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "Hm"

### HOUR24_MINUTE_SECOND

    public static final String HOUR24_MINUTE_SECOND

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with hour, minute, and second in 24-hour presentation. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "Hms"

### HOUR_MINUTE

    public static final String HOUR_MINUTE

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with hour and minute, with the locale's preferred hour format (12 or 24). Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "jm"

### HOUR_MINUTE_SECOND

    public static final String HOUR_MINUTE_SECOND

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with hour, minute, and second, with the locale's preferred hour format (12 or 24). Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "jms"

### HOUR_OF_DAY0_FIELD

    public static final int HOUR_OF_DAY0_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'H' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#HOUR_OF_DAY` field. HOUR_OF_DAY0_FIELD is used for the zero-based 24-hour clock. For example, 23:59 + 01:00 results in 00:59.

Constant Value: 5 (0x00000005)

### HOUR_OF_DAY1_FIELD

    public static final int HOUR_OF_DAY1_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'k' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#HOUR_OF_DAY` field. HOUR_OF_DAY1_FIELD is used for the one-based 24-hour clock. For example, 23:59 + 01:00 results in 24:59.

Constant Value: 4 (0x00000004)

### JULIAN_DAY_FIELD

    public static final int JULIAN_DAY_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'g' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#JULIAN_DAY` field.

Constant Value: 21 (0x00000015)

### LOCATION_TZ

    public static final String LOCATION_TZ

[icu] Constant for generic location format, such as Los Angeles Time; used in combinations date + time + zone, or time + zone.

See also:

- LDML Date Format Patterns
- LDML Time Zone Fallback

Constant Value: "VVVV"

### LONG

    public static final int LONG

Constant for long style pattern.

Constant Value: 1 (0x00000001)

### MEDIUM

    public static final int MEDIUM

Constant for medium style pattern.

Constant Value: 2 (0x00000002)

### MILLISECONDS_IN_DAY_FIELD

    public static final int MILLISECONDS_IN_DAY_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'A' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MILLISECONDS_IN_DAY` field.

Constant Value: 22 (0x00000016)

### MILLISECOND_FIELD

    public static final int MILLISECOND_FIELD

Alias for FRACTIONAL_SECOND_FIELD.

Constant Value: 8 (0x00000008)

### MINUTE

    public static final String MINUTE

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with minute.

Constant Value: "m"

### MINUTE_FIELD

    public static final int MINUTE_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'm' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MINUTE` field.

Constant Value: 6 (0x00000006)

### MINUTE_SECOND

    public static final String MINUTE_SECOND

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with minute and second. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "ms"

### MONTH

    public static final String MONTH

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with month.

Constant Value: "MMMM"

### MONTH_DAY

    public static final String MONTH_DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with long month and day. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "MMMMd"

### MONTH_FIELD

    public static final int MONTH_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'M' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MONTH` field.

Constant Value: 2 (0x00000002)

### MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY

    public static final String MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with month, weekday, and day. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "MMMMEEEEd"

### NONE

    public static final int NONE

[icu] Constant for empty style pattern.

Constant Value: -1 (0xffffffff)

### NUM_MONTH

    public static final String NUM_MONTH

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with numeric month.

Constant Value: "M"

### NUM_MONTH_DAY

    public static final String NUM_MONTH_DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with numeric month and day. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "Md"

### NUM_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY

    public static final String NUM_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with numeric month, weekday, and day. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "MEd"

### QUARTER

    public static final String QUARTER

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with quarter.

Constant Value: "QQQQ"

### QUARTER_FIELD

    public static final int QUARTER_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'Q' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MONTH` field. This displays the quarter.

Constant Value: 27 (0x0000001b)

### RELATIVE

    public static final int RELATIVE

[icu] Constant for relative style mask.

Constant Value: 128 (0x00000080)

### RELATIVE_DEFAULT

    public static final int RELATIVE_DEFAULT

[icu] Constant for relative default style pattern.

Constant Value: 130 (0x00000082)

### RELATIVE_FULL

    public static final int RELATIVE_FULL

[icu] Constant for relative full style pattern.

Constant Value: 128 (0x00000080)

### RELATIVE_LONG

    public static final int RELATIVE_LONG

[icu] Constant for relative style pattern.

Constant Value: 129 (0x00000081)

### RELATIVE_MEDIUM

    public static final int RELATIVE_MEDIUM

[icu] Constant for relative style pattern.

Constant Value: 130 (0x00000082)

### RELATIVE_SHORT

    public static final int RELATIVE_SHORT

[icu] Constant for relative style pattern.

Constant Value: 131 (0x00000083)

### SECOND

    public static final String SECOND

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with second.

Constant Value: "s"

### SECOND_FIELD

    public static final int SECOND_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 's' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#SECOND` field.

Constant Value: 7 (0x00000007)

### SHORT

    public static final int SHORT

Constant for short style pattern.

Constant Value: 3 (0x00000003)

### SPECIFIC_TZ

    public static final String SPECIFIC_TZ

[icu] Constant for specific non-location format, such as Pacific Daylight Time; used in combinations date + time + zone, or time + zone.

See also:

- LDML Date Format Patterns
- LDML Time Zone Fallback

Constant Value: "zzzz"

### STANDALONE_DAY_FIELD

    public static final int STANDALONE_DAY_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'c' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#DAY_OF_WEEK` field. This displays the stand alone day name, if available.

Constant Value: 25 (0x00000019)

### STANDALONE_MONTH_FIELD

    public static final int STANDALONE_MONTH_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'L' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MONTH` field. This displays the stand alone month name, if available.

Constant Value: 26 (0x0000001a)

### STANDALONE_QUARTER_FIELD

    public static final int STANDALONE_QUARTER_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'q' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#MONTH` field. This displays the stand alone quarter, if available.

Constant Value: 28 (0x0000001c)

### TIMEZONE_FIELD

    public static final int TIMEZONE_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'z' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields.

Constant Value: 17 (0x00000011)

### TIMEZONE_GENERIC_FIELD

    public static final int TIMEZONE_GENERIC_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'v' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields. This displays the generic zone name, if available.

Constant Value: 24 (0x00000018)

### TIMEZONE_ISO_FIELD

    public static final int TIMEZONE_ISO_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'X' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields. This displays the ISO 8601 local time offset format or UTC indicator ("Z").

Constant Value: 32 (0x00000020)

### TIMEZONE_ISO_LOCAL_FIELD

    public static final int TIMEZONE_ISO_LOCAL_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'x' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields. This displays the ISO 8601 local time offset format.

Constant Value: 33 (0x00000021)

### TIMEZONE_LOCALIZED_GMT_OFFSET_FIELD

    public static final int TIMEZONE_LOCALIZED_GMT_OFFSET_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'O' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields. This displays the localized GMT format.

Constant Value: 31 (0x0000001f)

### TIMEZONE_RFC_FIELD

    public static final int TIMEZONE_RFC_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'Z' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields.

Constant Value: 23 (0x00000017)

### TIMEZONE_SPECIAL_FIELD

    public static final int TIMEZONE_SPECIAL_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'V' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#ZONE_OFFSET` and `Calendar#DST_OFFSET` fields. This displays the fallback timezone name when VVVV is specified, and the short standard or daylight timezone name ignoring commonlyUsed when a single V is specified.

Constant Value: 29 (0x0000001d)

### WEEKDAY

    public static final String WEEKDAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with weekday.

Constant Value: "EEEE"

### WEEK_OF_MONTH_FIELD

    public static final int WEEK_OF_MONTH_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'W' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#WEEK_OF_MONTH` field.

Constant Value: 13 (0x0000000d)

### WEEK_OF_YEAR_FIELD

    public static final int WEEK_OF_YEAR_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'w' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#WEEK_OF_YEAR` field.

Constant Value: 12 (0x0000000c)

### YEAR

    public static final String YEAR

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with year.

Constant Value: "y"

### YEAR_ABBR_MONTH

    public static final String YEAR_ABBR_MONTH

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with year and abbreviated month.

Constant Value: "yMMM"

### YEAR_ABBR_MONTH_DAY

    public static final String YEAR_ABBR_MONTH_DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with year, abbreviated month, and day. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "yMMMd"

### YEAR_ABBR_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY

    public static final String YEAR_ABBR_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with year, abbreviated month, weekday, and day. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "yMMMEd"

### YEAR_ABBR_QUARTER

    public static final String YEAR_ABBR_QUARTER

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with year and abbreviated quarter.

Constant Value: "yQQQ"

### YEAR_FIELD

    public static final int YEAR_FIELD

FieldPosition selector for 'y' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#YEAR` field.

Constant Value: 1 (0x00000001)

### YEAR_MONTH

    public static final String YEAR_MONTH

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with year and month.

Constant Value: "yMMMM"

### YEAR_MONTH_DAY

    public static final String YEAR_MONTH_DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with year, month, and day. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "yMMMMd"

### YEAR_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY

    public static final String YEAR_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with year, month, weekday, and day. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "yMMMMEEEEd"

### YEAR_NAME_FIELD

    public static final int YEAR_NAME_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'U' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#YEAR` field. This displays the cyclic year name, if available.

Constant Value: 30 (0x0000001e)

### YEAR_NUM_MONTH

    public static final String YEAR_NUM_MONTH

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with year and numeric month.

Constant Value: "yM"

### YEAR_NUM_MONTH_DAY

    public static final String YEAR_NUM_MONTH_DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with year, numeric month, and day. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "yMd"

### YEAR_NUM_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY

    public static final String YEAR_NUM_MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with year, numeric month, weekday, and day. Used in combinations date + time, date + time + zone, or time + zone.

Constant Value: "yMEd"

### YEAR_QUARTER

    public static final String YEAR_QUARTER

[icu] Constant for date skeleton with year and quarter.

Constant Value: "yQQQQ"

### YEAR_WOY_FIELD

    public static final int YEAR_WOY_FIELD

[icu] FieldPosition selector for 'Y' field alignment, corresponding to the `Calendar#YEAR_WOY` field.

Constant Value: 18 (0x00000012)

## Fields

### calendar

    protected Calendar calendar

The calendar that `DateFormat` uses to produce the time field values needed to implement date and time formatting. Subclasses should initialize this to a calendar appropriate for the locale associated with this `DateFormat`.

### numberFormat

    protected NumberFormat numberFormat

The number formatter that `DateFormat` uses to format numbers in dates and times. Subclasses should initialize this to a number format appropriate for the locale associated with this `DateFormat`.

## Protected constructors

### DateFormat

    protected DateFormat ()

Creates a new date format.

## Public methods

### clone

    public Object clone ()

Overrides clone.

Returns
`Object` | a clone of this instance.

### equals

    public boolean equals (Object obj)

Overrides equals.

Parameters
`obj` | `Object`: the reference object with which to compare.

Returns
`boolean` | `true` if this object is the same as the obj argument; `false` otherwise.

### format

    public final StringBuffer format (Object obj,
                    StringBuffer toAppendTo,
                    FieldPosition fieldPosition)

Formats a time object into a time string. Examples of time objects are a time value expressed in milliseconds and a Date object.

Parameters
`obj` | `Object`: must be a Number or a Date or a Calendar.
`toAppendTo` | `StringBuffer`: the string buffer for the returning time string.
`fieldPosition` | `FieldPosition`: keeps track of the position of the field within the returned string. On input: an alignment field, if desired. On output: the offsets of the alignment field. For example, given a time text "1996.07.10 AD at 15:08:56 PDT", if the given fieldPosition is DateFormat.YEAR_FIELD, the begin index and end index of fieldPosition will be set to 0 and 4, respectively. Notice that if the same time field appears more than once in a pattern, the fieldPosition will be set for the first occurrence of that time field. For instance, formatting a Date to the time string "1 PM PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)" using the pattern "h a z (zzzz)" and the alignment field DateFormat.TIMEZONE_FIELD, the begin index and end index of fieldPosition will be set to 5 and 8, respectively, for the first occurrence of the timezone pattern character 'z'.

Returns
`StringBuffer` | the formatted time string.

See also:

- `Format`

### format

    public StringBuffer format (Date date,
                    StringBuffer toAppendTo,
                    FieldPosition fieldPosition)

Formats a Date into a date/time string.

Parameters
`date` | `Date`: a Date to be formatted into a date/time string.
`toAppendTo` | `StringBuffer`: the string buffer for the returning date/time string.
`fieldPosition` | `FieldPosition`: keeps track of the position of the field within the returned string. On input: an alignment field, if desired. On output: the offsets of the alignment field. For example, given a time text "1996.07.10 AD at 15:08:56 PDT", if the given fieldPosition is DateFormat.YEAR_FIELD, the begin index and end index of fieldPosition will be set to 0 and 4, respectively. Notice that if the same time field appears more than once in a pattern, the fieldPosition will be set for the first occurrence of that time field. For instance, formatting a Date to the time string "1 PM PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)" using the pattern "h a z (zzzz)" and the alignment field DateFormat.TIMEZONE_FIELD, the begin index and end index of fieldPosition will be set to 5 and 8, respectively, for the first occurrence of the timezone pattern character 'z'.

Returns
`StringBuffer` | the formatted date/time string.

### format

    public final String format (Date date)

Formats a Date into a date/time string.

Parameters
`date` | `Date`: the time value to be formatted into a time string.

Returns
`String` | the formatted time string.

### format

    public abstract StringBuffer format (Calendar cal,
                    StringBuffer toAppendTo,
                    FieldPosition fieldPosition)

Formats a date into a date/time string.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: a Calendar set to the date and time to be formatted into a date/time string. When the calendar type is different from the internal calendar held by this DateFormat instance, the date and the time zone will be inherited from the input calendar, but other calendar field values will be calculated by the internal calendar.
`toAppendTo` | `StringBuffer`: the string buffer for the returning date/time string.
`fieldPosition` | `FieldPosition`: keeps track of the position of the field within the returned string. On input: an alignment field, if desired. On output: the offsets of the alignment field. For example, given a time text "1996.07.10 AD at 15:08:56 PDT", if the given fieldPosition is DateFormat.YEAR_FIELD, the begin index and end index of fieldPosition will be set to 0 and 4, respectively. Notice that if the same time field appears more than once in a pattern, the fieldPosition will be set for the first occurrence of that time field. For instance, formatting a Date to the time string "1 PM PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)" using the pattern "h a z (zzzz)" and the alignment field DateFormat.TIMEZONE_FIELD, the begin index and end index of fieldPosition will be set to 5 and 8, respectively, for the first occurrence of the timezone pattern character 'z'.

Returns
`StringBuffer` | the formatted date/time string.

### getAvailableLocales

    public static Locale[] getAvailableLocales ()

Returns the set of locales for which DateFormats are installed.

Returns
`Locale[]` | the set of locales for which DateFormats are installed.

### getBooleanAttribute

    public boolean getBooleanAttribute (DateFormat.BooleanAttribute key)

Returns the current value for the specified BooleanAttribute for this instance if attribute is missing false is returned.

Parameters
`key` | `DateFormat.BooleanAttribute`

Returns
`boolean` |

See also:

- `DateFormat.BooleanAttribute`

### getCalendar

    public Calendar getCalendar ()

Returns the calendar associated with this date/time formatter.

Returns
`Calendar` | the calendar associated with this date/time formatter.

### getContext

    public DisplayContext getContext (DisplayContext.Type type)

[icu] Get the formatter's DisplayContext value for the specified DisplayContext.Type, such as CAPITALIZATION.

Parameters
`type` | `DisplayContext.Type`: the DisplayContext.Type whose value to return

Returns
`DisplayContext` | the current DisplayContext setting for the specified type

### getDateInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateInstance (int style,
                    Locale aLocale)

Returns the date formatter with the given formatting style for the given locale.

Parameters
`style` | `int`: the given formatting style. For example, SHORT for "M/d/yy" in the US locale. As currently implemented, relative date formatting only affects a limited range of calendar days before or after the current date, based on the CLDR <field type="day">/<relative> data: For example, in English, "Yesterday", "Today", and "Tomorrow". Outside of this range, relative dates are formatted using the corresponding non-relative style.
`aLocale` | `Locale`: the given locale.

Returns
`DateFormat` | a date formatter.

### getDateInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateInstance (Calendar cal,
                    int dateStyle)

Creates a `DateFormat` object for the default locale that can be used to format dates in the calendar system specified by `cal`.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a date format is desired.
`dateStyle` | `int`: The type of date format desired. This can be `DateFormat#SHORT`, `DateFormat#MEDIUM`, etc.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getDateInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateInstance (Calendar cal,
                    int dateStyle,
                    ULocale locale)

Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates in the calendar system specified by `cal`.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a date format is desired.
`dateStyle` | `int`: The type of date format desired. This can be `DateFormat#SHORT`, `DateFormat#MEDIUM`, etc.
`locale` | `ULocale`: The locale for which the date format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getDateInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateInstance ()

Returns the date formatter with the default formatting style for the default `FORMAT` locale.

Returns
`DateFormat` | a date formatter.

See also:

- `ULocale.Category.FORMAT`

### getDateInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateInstance (int style,
                    ULocale locale)

Returns the date formatter with the given formatting style for the given locale.

Parameters
`style` | `int`: the given formatting style. For example, SHORT for "M/d/yy" in the US locale. As currently implemented, relative date formatting only affects a limited range of calendar days before or after the current date, based on the CLDR <field type="day">/<relative> data: For example, in English, "Yesterday", "Today", and "Tomorrow". Outside of this range, relative dates are formatted using the corresponding non-relative style.
`locale` | `ULocale`: the given ulocale.

Returns
`DateFormat` | a date formatter.

### getDateInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateInstance (Calendar cal,
                    int dateStyle,
                    Locale locale)

Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates in the calendar system specified by `cal`.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a date format is desired.
`dateStyle` | `int`: The type of date format desired. This can be `DateFormat#SHORT`, `DateFormat#MEDIUM`, etc.
`locale` | `Locale`: The locale for which the date format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getDateInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateInstance (int style)

Returns the date formatter with the given formatting style for the default `FORMAT` locale.

Parameters
`style` | `int`: the given formatting style. For example, SHORT for "M/d/yy" in the US locale. As currently implemented, relative date formatting only affects a limited range of calendar days before or after the current date, based on the CLDR <field type="day">/<relative> data: For example, in English, "Yesterday", "Today", and "Tomorrow". Outside of this range, relative dates are formatted using the corresponding non-relative style.

Returns
`DateFormat` | a date formatter.

See also:

- `ULocale.Category.FORMAT`

### getDateTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateTimeInstance (int dateStyle,
                    int timeStyle)

Returns the date/time formatter with the given date and time formatting styles for the default `FORMAT` locale.

Parameters
`dateStyle` | `int`: the given date formatting style. For example, SHORT for "M/d/yy" in the US locale. As currently implemented, relative date formatting only affects a limited range of calendar days before or after the current date, based on the CLDR <field type="day">/<relative> data: For example, in English, "Yesterday", "Today", and "Tomorrow". Outside of this range, relative dates are formatted using the corresponding non-relative style.
`timeStyle` | `int`: the given time formatting style. For example, SHORT for "h:mm a" in the US locale. Relative time styles are not currently supported, and behave just like the corresponding non-relative style.

Returns
`DateFormat` | a date/time formatter.

See also:

- `ULocale.Category.FORMAT`

### getDateTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateTimeInstance ()

Returns the date/time formatter with the default formatting style for the default `FORMAT` locale.

Returns
`DateFormat` | a date/time formatter.

See also:

- `ULocale.Category.FORMAT`

### getDateTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateTimeInstance (Calendar cal,
                    int dateStyle,
                    int timeStyle,
                    ULocale locale)

Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a date/time format is desired.
`dateStyle` | `int`: The type of date format desired. This can be `DateFormat#SHORT`, `DateFormat#MEDIUM`, etc.
`timeStyle` | `int`: The type of time format desired. This can be `DateFormat#SHORT`, `DateFormat#MEDIUM`, etc.
`locale` | `ULocale`: The locale for which the date/time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

See also:

- `getDateTimeInstance()`

### getDateTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateTimeInstance (Calendar cal,
                    int dateStyle,
                    int timeStyle,
                    Locale locale)

Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a date/time format is desired.
`dateStyle` | `int`: The type of date format desired. This can be `DateFormat#SHORT`, `DateFormat#MEDIUM`, etc.
`timeStyle` | `int`: The type of time format desired. This can be `DateFormat#SHORT`, `DateFormat#MEDIUM`, etc.
`locale` | `Locale`: The locale for which the date/time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

See also:

- `getDateTimeInstance()`

### getDateTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateTimeInstance (int dateStyle,
                    int timeStyle,
                    ULocale locale)

Returns the date/time formatter with the given formatting styles for the given locale.

Parameters
`dateStyle` | `int`: the given date formatting style. As currently implemented, relative date formatting only affects a limited range of calendar days before or after the current date, based on the CLDR <field type="day">/<relative> data: For example, in English, "Yesterday", "Today", and "Tomorrow". Outside of this range, relative dates are formatted using the corresponding non-relative style.
`timeStyle` | `int`: the given time formatting style. Relative time styles are not currently supported, and behave just like the corresponding non-relative style.
`locale` | `ULocale`: the given ulocale.

Returns
`DateFormat` | a date/time formatter.

### getDateTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateTimeInstance (int dateStyle,
                    int timeStyle,
                    Locale aLocale)

Returns the date/time formatter with the given formatting styles for the given locale.

Parameters
`dateStyle` | `int`: the given date formatting style. As currently implemented, relative date formatting only affects a limited range of calendar days before or after the current date, based on the CLDR <field type="day">/<relative> data: For example, in English, "Yesterday", "Today", and "Tomorrow". Outside of this range, relative dates are formatted using the corresponding non-relative style.
`timeStyle` | `int`: the given time formatting style. Relative time styles are not currently supported, and behave just like the corresponding non-relative style.
`aLocale` | `Locale`: the given locale.

Returns
`DateFormat` | a date/time formatter.

### getDateTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getDateTimeInstance (Calendar cal,
                    int dateStyle,
                    int timeStyle)

Creates a `DateFormat` object for the default locale that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a date/time format is desired.
`dateStyle` | `int`: The type of date format desired. This can be `DateFormat#SHORT`, `DateFormat#MEDIUM`, etc.
`timeStyle` | `int`: The type of time format desired. This can be `DateFormat#SHORT`, `DateFormat#MEDIUM`, etc.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

See also:

- `getDateTimeInstance()`

### getInstance

    public static final DateFormat getInstance (Calendar cal)

Returns a default date/time formatter that uses the SHORT style for both the date and the time.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a date/time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getInstance

    public static final DateFormat getInstance (Calendar cal,
                    Locale locale)

Returns a date/time formatter that uses the SHORT style for both the date and the time.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a date/time format is desired.
`locale` | `Locale`: The locale for which the date/time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getInstance

    public static final DateFormat getInstance ()

Returns a default date/time formatter that uses the SHORT style for both the date and the time.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getInstanceForSkeleton

    public static final DateFormat getInstanceForSkeleton (Calendar cal,
                    String skeleton,
                    Locale locale)

[icu] Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a date/time format is desired.
`skeleton` | `String`: The skeleton that selects the fields to be formatted. (Uses the `DateTimePatternGenerator`.) This can be `DateFormat#ABBR_MONTH`, `DateFormat#MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY`, etc.
`locale` | `Locale`: The locale for which the date/time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getInstanceForSkeleton

    public static final DateFormat getInstanceForSkeleton (Calendar cal,
                    String skeleton,
                    ULocale locale)

[icu] Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a date/time format is desired.
`skeleton` | `String`: The skeleton that selects the fields to be formatted. (Uses the `DateTimePatternGenerator`.) This can be `DateFormat#ABBR_MONTH`, `DateFormat#MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY`, etc.
`locale` | `ULocale`: The locale for which the date/time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getInstanceForSkeleton

    public static final DateFormat getInstanceForSkeleton (String skeleton,
                    ULocale locale)

[icu] Returns a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the given locale.

Parameters
`skeleton` | `String`: The skeleton that selects the fields to be formatted. (Uses the `DateTimePatternGenerator`.) This can be `DateFormat#ABBR_MONTH`, `DateFormat#MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY`, etc.
`locale` | `ULocale`: The locale for which the date/time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getInstanceForSkeleton

    public static final DateFormat getInstanceForSkeleton (String skeleton,
                    Locale locale)

[icu] Returns a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the given locale.

Parameters
`skeleton` | `String`: The skeleton that selects the fields to be formatted. (Uses the `DateTimePatternGenerator`.) This can be `DateFormat#ABBR_MONTH`, `DateFormat#MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY`, etc.
`locale` | `Locale`: The locale for which the date/time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getInstanceForSkeleton

    public static final DateFormat getInstanceForSkeleton (String skeleton)

[icu] Returns a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the default locale.

Parameters
`skeleton` | `String`: The skeleton that selects the fields to be formatted. (Uses the `DateTimePatternGenerator`.) This can be `DateFormat#ABBR_MONTH`, `DateFormat#MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY`, etc.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getNumberFormat

    public NumberFormat getNumberFormat ()

Returns the number formatter which this date/time formatter uses to format and parse a time.

Returns
`NumberFormat` | the number formatter which this date/time formatter uses.

### getPatternInstance

    public static final DateFormat getPatternInstance (String skeleton,
                    Locale locale)

[icu] Returns a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the given locale. The getInstanceForSkeleton methods are preferred over the getPatternInstance methods.

Parameters
`skeleton` | `String`: The skeleton that selects the fields to be formatted. (Uses the `DateTimePatternGenerator`.) This can be `DateFormat#ABBR_MONTH`, `DateFormat#MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY`, etc.
`locale` | `Locale`: The locale for which the date/time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getPatternInstance

    public static final DateFormat getPatternInstance (String skeleton,
                    ULocale locale)

[icu] Returns a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the given locale. The getInstanceForSkeleton methods are preferred over the getPatternInstance methods.

Parameters
`skeleton` | `String`: The skeleton that selects the fields to be formatted. (Uses the `DateTimePatternGenerator`.) This can be `DateFormat#ABBR_MONTH`, `DateFormat#MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY`, etc.
`locale` | `ULocale`: The locale for which the date/time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getPatternInstance

    public static final DateFormat getPatternInstance (String skeleton)

[icu] Returns a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the default locale. The getInstanceForSkeleton methods are preferred over the getPatternInstance methods.

Parameters
`skeleton` | `String`: The skeleton that selects the fields to be formatted. (Uses the `DateTimePatternGenerator`.) This can be `DateFormat#ABBR_MONTH`, `DateFormat#MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY`, etc.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getPatternInstance

    public static final DateFormat getPatternInstance (Calendar cal,
                    String skeleton,
                    Locale locale)

[icu] Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`. The getInstanceForSkeleton methods are preferred over the getPatternInstance methods.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a date/time format is desired.
`skeleton` | `String`: The skeleton that selects the fields to be formatted. (Uses the `DateTimePatternGenerator`.) This can be `DateFormat#ABBR_MONTH`, `DateFormat#MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY`, etc.
`locale` | `Locale`: The locale for which the date/time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getPatternInstance

    public static final DateFormat getPatternInstance (Calendar cal,
                    String skeleton,
                    ULocale locale)

[icu] Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format dates and times in the calendar system specified by `cal`. The getInstanceForSkeleton methods are preferred over the getPatternInstance methods.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a date/time format is desired.
`skeleton` | `String`: The skeleton that selects the fields to be formatted. (Uses the `DateTimePatternGenerator`.) This can be `DateFormat#ABBR_MONTH`, `DateFormat#MONTH_WEEKDAY_DAY`, etc.
`locale` | `ULocale`: The locale for which the date/time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

### getTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getTimeInstance (Calendar cal,
                    int timeStyle)

Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a time format is desired.
`timeStyle` | `int`: The type of time format desired. This can be `DateFormat#SHORT`, `DateFormat#MEDIUM`, etc.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

See also:

- `getTimeInstance()`

### getTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getTimeInstance ()

Gets the time formatter with the default formatting style for the default `FORMAT` locale.

Returns
`DateFormat` | a time formatter.

See also:

- `ULocale.Category.FORMAT`

### getTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getTimeInstance (int style,
                    ULocale locale)

Returns the time formatter with the given formatting style for the given locale.

Parameters
`style` | `int`: the given formatting style. For example, SHORT for "h:mm a" in the US locale. Relative time styles are not currently supported, and behave just like the corresponding non-relative style.
`locale` | `ULocale`: the given ulocale.

Returns
`DateFormat` | a time formatter.

### getTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getTimeInstance (Calendar cal,
                    int timeStyle,
                    ULocale locale)

Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a time format is desired.
`timeStyle` | `int`: The type of time format desired. This can be `DateFormat#SHORT`, `DateFormat#MEDIUM`, etc.
`locale` | `ULocale`: The locale for which the time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

See also:

- `getTimeInstance()`

### getTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getTimeInstance (Calendar cal,
                    int timeStyle,
                    Locale locale)

Creates a `DateFormat` object that can be used to format times in the calendar system specified by `cal`.

Parameters
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar system for which a time format is desired.
`timeStyle` | `int`: The type of time format desired. This can be `DateFormat#SHORT`, `DateFormat#MEDIUM`, etc.
`locale` | `Locale`: The locale for which the time format is desired.

Returns
`DateFormat` |

See also:

- `getTimeInstance()`

### getTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getTimeInstance (int style)

Returns the time formatter with the given formatting style for the default `FORMAT` locale.

Parameters
`style` | `int`: the given formatting style. For example, SHORT for "h:mm a" in the US locale. Relative time styles are not currently supported, and behave just like the corresponding non-relative style.

Returns
`DateFormat` | a time formatter.

See also:

- `ULocale.Category.FORMAT`

### getTimeInstance

    public static final DateFormat getTimeInstance (int style,
                    Locale aLocale)

Returns the time formatter with the given formatting style for the given locale.

Parameters
`style` | `int`: the given formatting style. For example, SHORT for "h:mm a" in the US locale. Relative time styles are not currently supported, and behave just like the corresponding non-relative style.
`aLocale` | `Locale`: the given locale.

Returns
`DateFormat` | a time formatter.

### getTimeZone

    public TimeZone getTimeZone ()

Returns the time zone.

Returns
`TimeZone` | the time zone associated with the calendar of DateFormat.

### hashCode

    public int hashCode ()

Overrides hashCode.

Returns
`int` | a hash code value for this object.

### isCalendarLenient

    public boolean isCalendarLenient ()

Returns whether date/time parsing in the encapsulated Calendar object is lenient.

Returns
`boolean` |

### isLenient

    public boolean isLenient ()

Returns whether both date/time parsing in the encapsulated Calendar object and DateFormat whitespace & numeric processing is lenient.

Returns
`boolean` |

### parse

    public Date parse (String text)

Parses a date/time string. For example, a time text "07/10/96 4:5 PM, PDT" will be parsed into a Date that is equivalent to Date(837039928046). Parsing begins at the beginning of the string and proceeds as far as possible. Assuming no parse errors were encountered, this function doesn't return any information about how much of the string was consumed by the parsing. If you need that information, use a version of parse() that takes a ParsePosition.

By default, parsing is lenient: If the input is not in the form used by this object's format method but can still be parsed as a date, then the parse succeeds. Clients may insist on strict adherence to the format by calling setLenient(false).

Note that the normal date formats associated with some calendars - such as the Chinese lunar calendar - do not specify enough fields to enable dates to be parsed unambiguously. In the case of the Chinese lunar calendar, while the year within the current 60-year cycle is specified, the number of such cycles since the start date of the calendar (in the ERA field of the Calendar object) is not normally part of the format, and parsing may assume the wrong era. For cases such as this it is recommended that clients parse using the parse method that takes a Calendar with the Calendar passed in set to the current date, or to a date within the era/cycle that should be assumed if absent in the format.

Parameters
`text` | `String`: The date/time string to be parsed

Returns
`Date` | A Date, or null if the input could not be parsed

Throws
`ParseException` | If the given string cannot be parsed as a date.

See also:

- `parse(String, ParsePosition)`

### parse

    public Date parse (String text,
                    ParsePosition pos)

Parses a date/time string according to the given parse position. For example, a time text "07/10/96 4:5 PM, PDT" will be parsed into a Date that is equivalent to Date(837039928046).

By default, parsing is lenient: If the input is not in the form used by this object's format method but can still be parsed as a date, then the parse succeeds. Clients may insist on strict adherence to the format by calling setLenient(false).

Note that the normal date formats associated with some calendars - such as the Chinese lunar calendar - do not specify enough fields to enable dates to be parsed unambiguously. In the case of the Chinese lunar calendar, while the year within the current 60-year cycle is specified, the number of such cycles since the start date of the calendar (in the ERA field of the Calendar object) is not normally part of the format, and parsing may assume the wrong era. For cases such as this it is recommended that clients parse using the parse method that takes a Calendar with the Calendar passed in set to the current date, or to a date within the era/cycle that should be assumed if absent in the format.

Parameters
`text` | `String`: The date/time string to be parsed
`pos` | `ParsePosition`: On input, the position at which to start parsing; on output, the position at which parsing terminated, or the start position if the parse failed.

Returns
`Date` | A Date, or null if the input could not be parsed

See also:

- `setLenient(boolean)`

### parse

    public abstract void parse (String text,
                    Calendar cal,
                    ParsePosition pos)

Parses a date/time string according to the given parse position. For example, a time text "07/10/96 4:5 PM, PDT" will be parsed into a Calendar that is equivalent to Date(837039928046). Before calling this method the caller should initialize the calendar in one of two ways (unless existing field information is to be kept): (1) clear the calendar, or (2) set the calendar to the current date (or to any date whose fields should be used to supply values that are missing in the parsed date). For example, Chinese calendar dates do not normally provide an era/cycle; in this case the calendar that is passed in should be set to a date within the era that should be assumed, normally the current era.

By default, parsing is lenient: If the input is not in the form used by this object's format method but can still be parsed as a date, then the parse succeeds. Clients may insist on strict adherence to the format by calling setLenient(false).

Parameters
`text` | `String`: The date/time string to be parsed
`cal` | `Calendar`: The calendar set on input to the date and time to be used for missing values in the date/time string being parsed, and set on output to the parsed date/time. In general, this should be initialized before calling this method - either cleared or set to the current date, depending on desired behavior. If this parse fails, the calendar may still have been modified. When the calendar type is different from the internal calendar held by this DateFormat instance, calendar field values will be parsed based on the internal calendar initialized with the time and the time zone taken from this calendar, then the parse result (time in milliseconds and time zone) will be set back to this calendar.
`pos` | `ParsePosition`: On input, the position at which to start parsing; on output, the position at which parsing terminated, or the start position if the parse failed.

See also:

- `setLenient(boolean)`

### parseObject

    public Object parseObject (String source,
                    ParsePosition pos)

Parses a date/time string into an Object. This convenience method simply calls parse(String, ParsePosition).

Parameters
`source` | `String`: A `String`, part of which should be parsed.
`pos` | `ParsePosition`: A `ParsePosition` object with index and error index information as described above.

Returns
`Object` | An `Object` parsed from the string. In case of error, returns null.

See also:

- `parse(String, ParsePosition)`

### setBooleanAttribute

    public DateFormat setBooleanAttribute (DateFormat.BooleanAttribute key,
                    boolean value)

Sets a boolean attribute for this instance. Aspects of DateFormat leniency are controlled by boolean attributes.

Parameters
`key` | `DateFormat.BooleanAttribute`
`value` | `boolean`

Returns
`DateFormat` |

See also:

- `DateFormat.BooleanAttribute`

### setCalendar

    public void setCalendar (Calendar newCalendar)

Sets the calendar to be used by this date format. Initially, the default calendar for the specified or default locale is used.

Parameters
`newCalendar` | `Calendar`: the new Calendar to be used by the date format

### setCalendarLenient

    public void setCalendarLenient (boolean lenient)

Specifies whether date/time parsing in the encapsulated Calendar object should be lenient. With lenient parsing, the parser may use heuristics to interpret inputs that do not precisely match this object's format. Without lenient parsing, inputs must match this object's format more closely.

Parameters
`lenient` | `boolean`: when true, Calendar parsing is lenient

See also:

- `Calendar.setLenient(boolean)`

### setContext

    public void setContext (DisplayContext context)

[icu] Set a particular DisplayContext value in the formatter, such as CAPITALIZATION_FOR_STANDALONE.

Parameters
`context` | `DisplayContext`: The DisplayContext value to set.

### setLenient

    public void setLenient (boolean lenient)

Specifies whether date/time parsing is to be lenient. With lenient parsing, the parser may use heuristics to interpret inputs that do not precisely match this object's format. Without lenient parsing, inputs must match this object's format more closely.
Note: ICU 53 introduced finer grained control of leniency (and added new control points) making the preferred method a combination of setCalendarLenient() & setBooleanAttribute() calls. This method supports prior functionality but may not support all future leniency control & behavior of DateFormat. For control of pre 53 leniency, Calendar and DateFormat whitespace & numeric tolerance, this method is safe to use. However, mixing leniency control via this method and modification of the newer attributes via setBooleanAttribute() may produce undesirable results.

Parameters
`lenient` | `boolean`: True specifies date/time interpretation to be lenient.

See also:

- `Calendar.setLenient(boolean)`
- `setBooleanAttribute(BooleanAttribute, boolean)`
- `setCalendarLenient(boolean)`

### setNumberFormat

    public void setNumberFormat (NumberFormat newNumberFormat)

Sets the number formatter.

Parameters
`newNumberFormat` | `NumberFormat`: the given new NumberFormat.

### setTimeZone

    public void setTimeZone (TimeZone zone)

Sets the time zone for the calendar of this DateFormat object.

Parameters
`zone` | `TimeZone`: the given new time zone.

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